Hurricane season starts now

Frank Juliano

Updated 8:44 pm, Saturday, May 31, 2014

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Subscribe to alert servicesStaying informed is the first step to being ready. • Register for Stamford's emergency notification system: BePreparedStamford.org• Register for state emergency alerts: ct.gov/ctalert

Make an emergency plan and kitThese are the basics. Get more information: ready.gov and weather.govEmergency plan• Identify an out-of town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cellphone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cellphone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you've listed them as emergency contacts.• Teach family members how to use text messaging if they don't already know. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.Supply kit• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.• Flashlight and extra batteries.• First aid kit.• A whistle to signal for help.• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.• A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).• Local maps.• Cellphone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

2014 Atlantic hurricane names, from the National Weather Service ArthurBerthaCristobalDollyEdouardFayGonzaloHannaIsaiasJosephineKyleLauraMarcoNanaOmarPauletteReneSallyTeddyVickyWilfred(Letters of the Greek alphabet would be assigned to storms when this list is used up)

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Sandy, Irene and Gloria are not fondly remembered here.

Connie and Diane still make older state residents shudder.

The Atlantic hurricane season starts Sunday, and although the National Hurricane Center has predicted a slower than usual hurricane season this year, parts of the region are still recovering from 2012's Sandy, so even a low-intensity hurricane would be unwelcome.

"All we need is one hurricane," AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski stated on the service's website. "Just because we are saying this is going to be an inactive season doesn't mean we couldn't have a couple of very intense hurricanes."

One reason for the prediction of a below-normal hurricane season this year is the El Niño weather pattern expected to form later this summer, which typically raises water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.

"If we have a robust El Niño develop, then the numbers will be much lower and this could be one of the least active years in recent memory," Kottlowski said.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Friday urged residents to take steps to prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes.

"Every home should have a basic emergency plan that can be used for any emergency," Malloy said. "I urge residents to know what potential risks your community and neighborhood may face, such as storm surge, flooding, road or bridge closures."

Dora B. Schriro, commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said, "I recommend that all Connecticut residents take three simple preparedness steps now: Get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed."